Not every owner of the FD-generation Mazda RX-7 likes to take the car out to the latest Fast and Furious screening or light up their local Cars & Coffee. Some of these rotary goodies spend their time indoors as the iconic status of the model only reaches new heights. Case in point with the example sitting before us, which has been locked inside a barn for at least ten years. And now that the vehicle has finally stepped under the sun once again, it was time for the JDM toy to get a proper detailing.
The 90s sports car, which is probably Mazda’s most loved rotary street machine, was covered by a tarp while inside the said barn. This explains why the exterior looks like it’s been left unatenned for much less time.
However, we have to warn you: the dirt getting between the paint and the cover can end up causing scratches, especially when the vehicle is stored outside where the wind can cause that tarp to constantly move. Fortunately for this example, that wasn’t too mushc of an issue, since the vehicle would require a polish anyway.
The paint thickness on these Mazda is amazing
Speaking of which, measuring the paint thickness of the 1990s model showed between 240 and 300 microns. This is not only excellent, but also considerably more generous than what contemporary Japanese cars have to offer. In fact, Brent and R.J., the YouTubers behind the WD Detailing channel handing the job, explain that modern Japanese machines are notorious for their thin an soft paint.
However, before reaching that point, the specialists had to give the Japanese coupe a pressure wash. The 13B twin-turbo two-rotor engine was included, but note that the battery wasn’t present!
We can’t be sure about this, but it’s possible that the vehicle didn’t make the detailing trip under its own power. For one, these rotary engines don’t like to be started and run for short intervals of time—it’s all part of the RX-7s dark side, but we’ll get back to that in a few moments.
Removing the wing was a must
The guys also removed the wing, with the spots where this is mounted requiring special attention—somebody better tell this to the 2022 WRX owner who fitted his car with an ex-gen STI wing.
For the record, while this RX-7 might look stock to somebody outside the Wankel world, we should mention it had been modded by Virginia-based rotary specialist Peter Farrell Supercars.
Regardless, after getting a few hours’ worth of professional care from the said duo, who topped it all off with a good waxing, the Mazda looked as good as new. As for the cabin, this was already in pretty good shape, so dialing the cleanliness up to eleven didn’t take too much effort.
Now, the RX-7 is not be as expensive as some other 90s JDM heroes like the Mk IV Supra or the Nissan Skyline GT-R. However, that’s not related to the performance (the rotary driving experience is among the best out there). Instead, the reliability issues of the Wankel engines is the one that needs to be blamed.
Even so, with the booming new and used vehicle market, prices have climbed considerably over the past few years. For instance, grabbing a good-condition example will probably see you paying around $50,000 these days. And with the Wankel madness only becoming stronger (have you seen this three-rotor C6 Corvette?), it doesn’t look like the trend is going to change soon.
